MHS Blood Drive

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Did you know that every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. With 36,000 units of red blood cells needed every day in the states you can do your part to help meet this need. On Wednesday, March 21st, Social Issues will host a Red Cross Blood Drive for all eligible 16, 17, and 18+ year olds. All 16 year olds that wish to give blood, must have a “Parental Consent for Blood Donation” form filled out by the time of donation on Tuesday. All students MUST bring an ID. Interested students can pick up forms in Mrs.Cote’s room (B220) or Ms.Moran’s room (B201).

You can make your donation go further by donating Double Red. Donating Double Red allows you to donate two units of red blood cells. This is done by using a special machine that returns your plasma and platelets to you while collecting twice the red blood cells. Anyone who is interested in donating Double Red, please see Ms. Moran or Mrs. Cote because you must meet certain requirements.

Students interested in signing up to donate blood can follow the link sent to your school email from Mrs. Cote.

To learn more about blood needs and donating check out the Red Cross Blood Donation site.

Facts about blood needs

Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.

Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.

Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.

The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.

The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.

It is estimated that sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.69 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.